I’m one of these guys who risks his life every morning by driving from Liège to Brussels…on a bike. And last week it was really a whole adventure. Rain, traffic jams, wind, cold and every other unpleasantry you can think of. My boots were so soaked that I had to put them on the central heating when I arrived at my clients office. I was sitting with only my socks on at the meeting table. Luckily for me I have a very understanding client who prefers me being on time and soaked than being too late but dry. I therefore would like to thank all my clients who bring up the necessary understanding when I arrive (on time) looking like a soaked rat who just avoided a horrible drowning death in the sewers. And also many thanks for the warm coffee that is always spontaneously offered.
Hello Bart, like your article on the Sprint. Have been wanting one forever now! So, you don’t think it’s worth buying the GT over the ST? Didn’t they make the seat a little bigger for the rider and more comfy? And on the GT, you can open the seat and the ST you can’t right?
So is your Sprint a 2007 then? And do you have an different screen on it then the factory? Or is that the factory screen?
One more question. With the ST’s, don’t the under the seat exhaust make the seat warm when you’re riding it?
If you could reply, I would be extremely happy!
Thanks!
Steven
Hello Steven,
Sorry for my late reply but here it is :
I’m currently driving a 2007 Sprint ST and I do have a different screen than the factory one. At the time I bought it the factory one was a very low sporty screen and I got the optional slightly more bumped one that defelects the wind a bit more. there was (at the time) also a even higher screen available. I have seen that one on some of the Sprints people are driving but in my opinion it kills the looks a bit. I think the new sprint by default already has the slightly higher screen. The best tip is to request a test-drive and feel for yourself. I found out that each person has different tastes and it also depends on the way you drive.
The seat on the new GT is certainly larger but again you can buy other optional seats. I would recommend the gel-seat because it makes a major difference in comfort. You can indeed open the seat of the GT and you do have a small storage compartment but you can’t get a lot in there. It is however a big improvement to gain access to tools or the battery (I have to unscrew two screws to open the seat).
The exhaust heating your behind on the Sprint ST is a true fact but I never really noticed it. However, one of the big improvements on the new Sprint GT is the heat-diffusion on the sides. Sometimes my legs would almost burn on hot summer days when the cooling of the engine diffused the hot air to the sides of the bike. But this was more a problem on the pré-2007 Sprints although I still find it a bit to hot on mine. On the GT this problem does not occur anymore I think.
So now to your main question : Sprint GT or ST?
Well, on the mainland the Sprint ST edition 2012 isn’t sold anymore!! We can only buy the GT now. The reasons why Triumph has decided this escape me a bit. But for the sake of the reasoning let’s assume I could buy the new Sprint ST. In that case I would say the following : The Sprint ST is a perfect bike for all conditions and for the more sporty oriented driver. I have always liked the more aggressive look of the sprint ST. For long trips where you need luggage and mayb a more comfortable driving style, the Sprint GT is better. I have recently written an article on why I haven’t bought the Sprint GT and I think you will find it interesting to read it. For me, the Sprint GT has become obsolete with the new Triumph Trophy that will come out end of this year. Not because it is a bad bike but because I want something else after 5 year on a Sprint (but I’ll stick with triumph, that’s for sure).
I can’t decide for you but I really enjoy my Sprint ST A LOT. The looks, the VERY COOL exhaust, the powerful engine and so many things more. The ST has more testosterone than the GT IMHO but the GT will give you more comfort.
Hope this was helpfull.
Hi Bart,
I share your dilema over the sprint upgrade, though mine was from the 955i to the st or even the GT.
My engine had done 80+k and I was looking for an upgrade to my 955 which, though a brilliant engine.
I had read all then advantages of the 1050 st and even the GT, yet in many areas the 1050 ST had gone backwards.
My solution to this dilema was to incorporate the 1050 st instruments into the cockpit of the 955,
this gave me the following.
A low exhaust for lower centre of gravity and no heat through seat all the time.
a 1050 motor
the upgrade from a digital clock to a trip computer
underseat storage
glove box storage
reflector style headlights over the projector ones
same low weight for a tourer ~210kgs wet
adjustable clutch leve
panniers that hold a full face helmet
taller 6th gear from the GT
newer ecu
engine mapping of air/fuel ratio from GT that gives more economy on part throttle.
a seat heater element for winter
I gather you are more inclined towards the touring end of the spectrum with all the comforts that brings.
I wanted something with the everyday practicality of a tourer(storage), but without the weight that a still heavier bike would mean for daily commute.
Each to their own ay !